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Direct From Market: Dallas

By Bessie Nestoras -- Gifts and Dec, 1/19/2010 8:30:00 AM

The good mood continued on at the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market. Buyers were buying and vendors were happy. First time exhibitor Doni Langlois of Artful Life said she was having a really good first show, as did Phyllis Palmer of Transformations by Phyllis. It seems that 2010 is getting off to a great start. Many told Gifts & Decorative Accessories that they were ready to get out of the doom and gloom attitude of 2009 and move on to brighter days. “Market is fabulous. Everyone is commenting that business is good and that December was great,” said Peggy Nagel showroom manager, 18 Karat. "Market's great. It looks like the economy is coming back around. I'm seeing much bigger orders," said Kathy Pitts, president Skyros Designs.

Decaf Plush

There were plenty of new products to see in Dallas this winter. Loralin Design is a children’s collection of clothing, dolls and various books, including a parents’ journal for the babysitter with sections on food, drink, books and bedtime. Mogo is another new kids line, this one jewelry. Children buy a band and personalize it with magnetic charms. There are several styles and themes to choose from. The bands close with a snap, but kids can attach more than one and create a head band or necklace. Decaf Plush is a line of clothes, pillows and other accessories with felt appliqués. The designs have a quirky vintage feel, something you might find in Anthropolgie. Eebees is a teaching tool for parents with infants and was inspired by the DVD series.

Global Views showcased orange front and center in its Dallas showroom. The company continues to expand its line in all categories – from large furniture pieces to smaller, lower priced gifts. “We’re reaching every category and every price point,” said Shanna Shamblin of Global Views.

Imax highlighted four different looks in its showroom, simplifying the various looks and bringing them together in a comprehensive way. The styles include Flamenco, which appears passionate, noble and spirited. Synergy is a bit more casual, incorporating natural motifs and earthy tones. Vivid looks toward a more daring and optimistic attitude. Blossom takes on a light and graceful look using soft lavender and blue hues. And finally Solace is a more vibrant look that uses brighter colors in the jewel tones.

Artful Life

Artful Life is a new exhibitor featuring hand-painted tapestries and wall hangings. Designer Doni Langlois can customize the pieces. They come in various sizes, and can be hung on the wall using decorative clavos nail heads or on a rod.

Phyllis Palmer creates decorative Trumeau mirrors that are set in a panel with a distressed look and will add designs during the distressing process. Palmer can customize the mirrors. One client, she told Gifts & Dec, asked that she incorporate an illustration of their home.

Decorative pillows are like a pair of shoes, they finish off a look. Deborah Main Designs’ pillows are made with vintage fabrics and look like decorative couture. The designer’s latest designs feature vintage brooches that are a perfect way to dress up a tired couch or chair.

Square Feathers is known for its felt pillows, but this market the company has turned to linens, and while everyone else is finding inspiration in France, designer Ron McIntyre looks to Britain and the House of Tudor.

Square Feathers

Meyda Tiffany keeps things green with its latest wine bottle collection. The company’s first collection featured wine bottles. This time, the company is using glass blowing techniques to change the shapes of the bottles to give them new and unique shapes. The company’s Coca-Cola collection continues to grow, adding new pieces to the line.

And if vintage looks are what your customers want, Fanimation offers a couple of reproductions fans that are sure to be hits. One was based on a fan that was used in bank teller windows. The design allowed the air to flow, without blowing money or paper around.

Fanimation

Waxing Poetic introduced several new designs this market, including a new bracelet collection made from leather, macramé and stretch bead bracelets in onyx and sterling. The line also includes bangles.

Fine Whines introduced four new sayings this winter, including B’day: Birthdays Don’t Age You and Baby: Blessed And Beautiful Years. Continuing on the coastal theme, the company introduced a boat saying. Boat: Best Outdoor Activity Together. For brides, there’s WED: Worth Every Dime, and that saying can be found on gift bags that are great for hospitality gifts for out of town wedding guests.

Bellemonde turned to turquoise this market. The company also offered several totes made from recycled papers or water bottles.

If you’re looking to add gourmet goods to your merchandise mix, Punch Coffee Company out of Australia offers a high-end sampling of 100 percent Arabica coffees. The company focuses on different regions in the world when creating its coffees, and doesn’t blend flavors, but keeps it original to the area. There are four regions: Americas, Asiatic, Oceanic and Africa. The coffees come in unique packaging and the company also offers some accessories to coordinate with the line, including a coffee blending caddy for coffee connoisseurs who want to blend their coffee.

The French Bee is just one year old. The company features silk and preserved florals in lovely arrangements. Owner and designer Michael Hansen is also a retailer who owns four stores in Arizona.


Punch Coffee Company	The French Bee

Vietri continues to offer unique table accessories. The company is focusing on offering products that go with its

Vietri

core line, to keep it fresh. For instance, the Holiday polka dot plate is given an update for the spring with a poppy accent plate. Susan Gravely tells Gifts & Dec that Old St. Nick is a popular pattern with brides. It seems brides are looking to add a holiday pattern to their registry. With more and more people entertaining at home it makes sense.

Also new in bridal is the XO pattern from Mariposa. The line includes a cake stand, frame and pillar holder that also doubles as a wine bottle holder and more.

New from Skyros Designs is a monogram collection, which was a big hit this market. The company will

Skyros Designs

monogram mugs and salad plates in its Legado dinnerware collection.

This season 18 Karat has turned to white with an accent of gray in its line. The company is known for its organic looks and this collection includes a line of planters made from organic rocks.

Kevin O'Brien Studio picked up on the coastal trend with selection of nautical themed pillows featuring shells, starfish, ships and other designs.

The Box Girls is expanding its line of conversation starters to include three new minis: Birthday Party, Girls’ Night and Happy Hour, as well as coasters.

Kevin O'Brien Studio

On Saturday, January 18, industry insiders gathered in the Grand Pavilion at the Dallas Trade Mart for the 21st Annual ARTS Awards. The awards gala, presented by the Accessories Resource Team (ART) and the Dallas Market Center, featured presenters Clodagh and Joe Ruggiero, and Sharon Davis, ART president, and Bill Fortson, an ART Hall of Fame retailer. Bill Winsor, president and CEO, Dallas Market Center, and Cindy Morris, COO, Dallas Market Center, gave the opening remarks.

Don McEvoy and his daughter Laura

Don McEvoy, founder of the Don McEvoy and Associates showroom, was honored with the Academy of Achievement Award. His children, John and Laura, presented him with the award. Don’s son has joined the family business and serves as president of the company. Click here for the 2010 ARTS Awards winners.

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